1. Pride events in Sarasota and Bradenton
There are a bunch of great Pride events this weekend beginning Friday with Pride Night for the Bradenton Marauders’ 5 p.m. baseball game at LECOM Park, featuring the national anthem performed by Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota (milb.com/bradenton). Then starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, it’s a special edition of the Sarasota Famers’ Market with Pride-themed products from market vendors and special performances curated by Harvey Milk Festival, including music by LGBTQ+ artists, a dance performance piece by Jess Pope, and spoken word artists (sarasotafarmersmarket.org). Also taking place on Saturday is the fourth annual “Big Gay Beach Party,” from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on North Lido Beach (sarasotaout.com/beach.html). On Sunday, don’t miss the Pride Pet Parade from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bayfront Park (projectpridesrq.org/pet-parade-june-13). Also, keep in mind that Taste of Pride, with dining discounts and rainbow items, continues through June 19 (projectpridesrq.org/tastepride).
Pride month:Project Pride to celebrate Pride Month in Sarasota with numerous events
What are the best things to do in Sarasota-Manatee? Here are lists of our favorites
What are the best restaurants in Sarasota-Manatee? Here are lists of our favorites
2. Fire Charity Fishing Festival
The 14th Annual Fire Charity Tournament has now expanded to include a two-day festival, which will be held at Riverside Park along the Manatee River in Palmetto. Following the captains meeting Friday night, the festival opens to the public Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be various vendors and food trucks including beer and hard seltzers for sale. Live music starts at noon Saturday with 301 Travelers, followed by Luv 2 Shine (2-3:30 p.m.), Rye Road (4-6 p.m.) and South Trail Band (6:30-8 p.m.). Sunday’s music roster was not confirmed ahead of deadline, with the big fish weigh-in starting at 2 p.m. Sunday and awards around 4:30 p.m. Info: firecharityfishing.com
Restaurants on the Manatee River:10 best waterfront restaurants for outdoor dining in Bradenton area
10 best places to visit in Manatee Count:And what to do when you get there!
3. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre reopens
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, a Sarasota fixture dating back to 1988, was hit hard by the pandemic with a failed reopening last June as well as another short-lived reopening in November. On Friday, it will reopen again, hopefully permanently. The headliner is Flip Schultz, a veteran comedian who has also made numerous film and television appearances, including reaching the semi-finals on the hit NBC show “Last Comic Standing.” 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $25; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota to reset after pandemic losses
10 best places to visit in Sarasota and what to do when you get there!
4. Van Wezel concerts
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will feature two concerts Saturday on its lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay. The first will be a free community show at 11 a.m. by bilingual hip-hop musician Olmeca backed by a live band. The second is part of the Bay Music Live! series with locally based reggae standouts Jah Movement performing at 7 p.m. (event starts at 6:30 p.m.). Lawn spaces on the grass accommodating up to four guests are $70 while table seating for up to four guests is $100 per table. “Burgers on the Bay” crafted by Mattison’s (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken-burgers and veggie-burgers) as well as pizza options will be available for purchase. Info: 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
7 best downtown Sarasota restaurants, bars and hotels near Van Wezel
Locals only:Things every Sarasotan should eat, drink, read, watch and listen
5. Bluegrass Music Fest at Fishermen’s Village
Fishermen’s Village, the jewel of Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, will host the fourth annual Bluegrass Music Fest with Harvest Moon (featuring Rick Saint Germain performing guitar and mandolin along with vocals and guitar by Rita Beach), the Southwind Bluegrass Band, and Kindred Spirit. Performances will take place in the center court and on the promenade. Not familiar with Fishermen’s Village? Built in 1980 on the site of a pier that held fish houses, the Village offers a vibrant lineup of waterfront dining, shopping, live entertainment, a resort and a marina. 12-4 p.m. Saturday; Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; fishville.com
Looking for outdoor dining near the beach? 7 best restaurants in Englewood
Wade Tatangelo, the Herald-Tribune’s entertainment editor, may be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
